Apple’s recent unveiling of iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has set the tech world abuzz with the promise of cutting-edge features, collectively branded as “Apple Intelligence.” This suite of advancements includes on-device image generation, ChatGPT-powered Siri, and automatic call recording and transcription. However, unlike previous software updates that often extended their capabilities to a broad range of devices, iOS 18 and its associated features will be limited to select iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Here’s a breakdown of which devices will support Apple Intelligence and which won’t.
What is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is a suite of artificial intelligence-driven features designed to enhance user experience across Apple devices. Key highlights include:
- On-Device Image Generation: Users will be able to create images directly on their devices without relying on cloud services.
- ChatGPT-Powered Siri: Siri will be upgraded to provide more sophisticated and contextually aware responses, powered by ChatGPT’s advanced language processing capabilities.
- Automatic Call Recording and Transcription: This feature will enable automatic recording and transcription of phone calls, making it easier for users to keep track of conversations.
Which Devices Will Support Apple Intelligence?
Apple has stated that the full suite of Apple Intelligence features will be available on the following devices:
- iPhone 15 Series: As the newest generation of iPhones, the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max will support all the new features introduced with iOS 18. These devices are equipped with the latest A17 Bionic chip, which is crucial for handling the intensive AI computations required by Apple Intelligence.
- iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air (5th Gen): The latest iPad Pro models and the newer iPad Air are also compatible. These devices feature Apple’s M2 chip, providing the necessary power for the advanced AI capabilities.
- MacBook Pro (2024) and MacBook Air (2024): The 2024 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models will support Apple Intelligence, thanks to their inclusion of the latest Apple Silicon chips, which are optimized for AI tasks.
- iMac (2024): The 2024 iMac, with its updated hardware, will also be capable of running the full range of Apple Intelligence features.
Which Devices Will Not Support Apple Intelligence?
Unfortunately, not all Apple devices will be compatible with the new features. Users with older models should take note:
- iPhone 14 Series and Older: While iPhone 14 and earlier models will receive iOS 18, they will not support all Apple Intelligence features. The older A16 Bionic and previous chips lack the processing power required for some of the more demanding AI functions.
- iPad Models (Pre-2024): Older iPad models, including the iPad (9th Gen) and older iPad Air versions, will be excluded from the more advanced features of iOS 18. They will only receive basic updates and enhancements.
- MacBook Pro and Air (2021 and Older): Devices with M1 or earlier Apple Silicon chips will not be able to utilize all the new AI capabilities. Only the most recent models with M2 chips or newer will be fully compatible.
- iMac Models (2021 and Older): Older iMacs, which lack the latest hardware updates, will miss out on the full range of Apple Intelligence features.
Why the Selective Support?
Apple’s decision to limit support to newer devices likely stems from the increased computational demands of the AI features. Advanced AI tasks require significant processing power and memory, which older devices may not be able to handle efficiently. By focusing on newer hardware, Apple ensures a smoother and more reliable user experience.
Conclusion
As Apple continues to push the envelope with AI-driven features through Apple Intelligence, users will need to ensure they are using compatible devices to enjoy the full range of new capabilities. While the upgrade will bring impressive enhancements to the latest models, those with older devices may need to consider upgrading if they wish to take advantage of these cutting-edge features.
